Posted by Barry, Suave MF at host-4-17-193-113.lordbissell.com on April 09, 2003 at 12:42:53:
In Reply to: Well, you're both wrong. posted by (Alt-0220)bermensch(Alt-0169) on April 09, 2003 at 12:30:14:
: But only partly. In the early 60s, the CIA plotted with the Ba'ath party to assassinate Iraqi President Qasim (who wanted to nationalize the Iraqi oil industry). With the CIA's help, the Ba'athists killed the President, seized power, and used CIA information to seek and eliminate (leftist) opponents. So while Hussein was not placed into the Presidency directly by the US, it required the foundation of CIA manipulation.
For argument's sake - assuming what you say is completely true, the actions of the CIA were not to put Hussein in power but to get rid of Qasim. It's all how you look at it I guess.